It isn’t an NFL offseason without debating who the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback is going to be. They started three different quarterbacks a season ago and they were Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Joe Flacco. Deshaun Watson did not play at all last season. There is a chance that he could be the starting quarterback next season.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, poses for a portrait with general manager Andrew Berry, left, and coach Kevin Stefanski during Watson’s introductory news conference March 26, 2022, in Berea.
There are a lot of Cleveland fans who do not love the sound of Watson being the starting quarterback at all. He is 30 years old. They all know what he is at this point. Shedeur Sanders is not a lock to be the starting quarterback next season.
ESPN Cleveland Radio Analyst Sends Warning to Cleveland Browns Fans About Deshaun Watson Playing in 2026
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Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson watches on the sidelines against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There are a lot of Browns fans who don’t want to hear the fact that Watson will be playing next season. Chris Oldach of ESPN Cleveland Radio said about Jimmy Haslam’s comments about Watson playing next season, “Be ready, because the Browns are telling you, Jimmy Haslam is telling you that Deshaun is gonna see the field.” If Haslam wants to see Watson on the field next season, then he is meddling in on general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken.
This is not a surprise by any means. The only way Watson should play next season is if Sanders is not living up to standards or if he gets injured. This will no doubt be an interesting story line to watch for as the offseason progresses.
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